Many would have hoped the bar would be raised: MCCM reacts to licensing reforms

“Many in the industry would have hoped the new licensing regime would raise the bar,” said the Malta Chamber of Construction Management (MCCM) in reaction to new mason licensing legal changes.

Two legal notices, published on 27th December, have altered the licensing process for masons, commonly known as builders.

Under the new regulations, masons who fail any part of their licensing exam will be allowed to resit within the same year. Those who fail a second attempt can now have their application assessed by a panel of experts, rather than being required to retake the exam. Furthermore, masons whose licences expired at the end of December have had their licences automatically extended.

The Malta Chamber of Construction Management (MCCM) has shared its reactions with BusinessNow.mt to these changes.

Upskilling and quality standards

MCCM believes that raising the skillset across all trades within the industry is essential for achieving the necessary quality leap in Malta’s construction sector.

While the Chamber refrained from commenting on the specifics of the legal changes, it stressed the importance of combining experience with an examination process that reflects best practices and modern technological advances.

“While not going into the merit specifically, a combination of experience and examination that reflects best practices and technological advances within the industry is necessary,” the MCCM stated.

The organisation also highlighted the importance of having a uniform standard for all masons to ensure consistent quality and safety. “While most builders and masons have good practices, we believe all masons should sit for the same questions so that all will be on par. Such a stance would help the industry adopt better building methodologies with safe practices,” the Chamber said.

Impact on public trust and the industry

On whether the changes might affect public trust, the MCCM pointed out that other trades in the industry are subject to stricter scrutiny. “Many in the industry would have hoped the new licensing regime would have increased the bar,” the Chamber remarked, suggesting that the new rules may not inspire confidence among industry stakeholders.

MCCM also expressed reservations about allowing failed candidates to have their licence applications reviewed by a panel of experts. While the Chamber did not directly judge the new system, it emphasised that stringent criteria must be upheld to ensure professional recognition.

“In principle, one must adhere to stringent characteristics to achieve recognition,” the Chamber noted.

Long-term consequences

The Chamber warned of potential long-term consequences if the changes remain in place.

It suggested that lenient licensing standards might discourage self-improvement within the industry. “The industry will not reach its potential since those working within the industry will not seek to improve themselves since the regulations are either vague or unjust,” the MCCM stated.

The organisation also recommended adopting a renewal system for licences, supported by refresher courses and a point system to ensure ongoing professional development. “Once a licence is obtained, one needs to renew it and maintain it,” the Chamber added.

Additionally, the MCCM highlighted its ongoing efforts to introduce legal recognition for the role of Construction Project Manager. This proposed role would require several years of experience, academic accreditation, and participation in continuous professional development, aligning with practices in other industries.